Aunt Matilda’s Present by Chris Barcellos: DVC/UWOL Charity Challenge

Glenn Davidson · January 14th, 2010, 12:47 AM

Damn that Bugeye has got the skillz!

Chris Swanberg · January 15th, 2010, 12:47 AM

As I post my comments on each of the films tonight I finally come to Chris Barcellos's. For those who don't know, Chris and I often collaborate, and in fact I had written a script for the film he had planned to do but which didn't happen. (This year for other reasons I was unable to assist in the making of that film, or for that matter the film he did make and post here. Like the rest of you I had to wait and see it here, knowing nothing about it in advance.)

So, anyway, I know Chris pretty well. My observations therefor come from a slightly different vantage.

Chris has always been better behind the camera than I am, and while I keep learning, in most of our productions he generally acts as principal camerman, I sometimes fill in or shoot 2nd camera. When Chris got his 5D, I noticed that his camera work started showing changes. Less formulaic, more varied in angles and moving camera. I think in this film his camera work is the best he has done. I felt the editing was unobtrusive as well. (Chris and I usually edit differently but he is much better overall than I am, so I usually do the fine tuning when we disagree on something and then we revisit it).

I do however generally handle sound, and am constantly chiding Chris about this or that and being fussy - and he rolls his eyes. In this film, he did it all himself, and I know he had to mix at least 3 tracks of sound on the timeline. I guess my fussiness must have rubbed off because I thought the soundtrack was terrific - something I have not always said in the past. He has me (in a way) to thank for the Fruitcake sounds... Buffalo noises we gathered for my last entry in the UWOL challenge... he still had them on his computer.

The actors (including Bugeye) were very good I thought. His grandkids probably have more acting experience than some young Hollywood starlets. They are a fun bunch to shoot with. Their enjoyment was evident in their performances.

I know Chris had fun with this one. It thought it was a very enjoyable watch, especially for someone who knows him well and his grandkids too.

Great film Chris. Technically and thematically.

Chris S.

Ken Diewert · January 15th, 2010, 04:26 PM

Hey Chris,

Great job... I think the real 'Gift' here is to be able to share your work and passion with your grandchildren. That is awesome.

Gotta love Bugeye!

January 15th, 2010, 04:26 PM	#18
Ken Diewert Trustee Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Vancouver Island, Canada Posts: 1,200	Hey Chris, Great job... I think the real 'Gift' here is to be able to share your work and passion with your grandchildren. That is awesome. Gotta love Bugeye! __________________ C100, 5DMk2, FCPX

January 14th, 2010, 12:47 AM	#16
Glenn Davidson Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Nevada City, California Posts: 499	Damn that Bugeye has got the skillz!

January 15th, 2010, 12:47 AM	#17
Chris Swanberg Major Player Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 904	As I post my comments on each of the films tonight I finally come to Chris Barcellos's. For those who don't know, Chris and I often collaborate, and in fact I had written a script for the film he had planned to do but which didn't happen. (This year for other reasons I was unable to assist in the making of that film, or for that matter the film he did make and post here. Like the rest of you I had to wait and see it here, knowing nothing about it in advance.) So, anyway, I know Chris pretty well. My observations therefor come from a slightly different vantage. Chris has always been better behind the camera than I am, and while I keep learning, in most of our productions he generally acts as principal camerman, I sometimes fill in or shoot 2nd camera. When Chris got his 5D, I noticed that his camera work started showing changes. Less formulaic, more varied in angles and moving camera. I think in this film his camera work is the best he has done. I felt the editing was unobtrusive as well. (Chris and I usually edit differently but he is much better overall than I am, so I usually do the fine tuning when we disagree on something and then we revisit it). I do however generally handle sound, and am constantly chiding Chris about this or that and being fussy - and he rolls his eyes. In this film, he did it all himself, and I know he had to mix at least 3 tracks of sound on the timeline. I guess my fussiness must have rubbed off because I thought the soundtrack was terrific - something I have not always said in the past. He has me (in a way) to thank for the Fruitcake sounds... Buffalo noises we gathered for my last entry in the UWOL challenge... he still had them on his computer. The actors (including Bugeye) were very good I thought. His grandkids probably have more acting experience than some young Hollywood starlets. They are a fun bunch to shoot with. Their enjoyment was evident in their performances. I know Chris had fun with this one. It thought it was a very enjoyable watch, especially for someone who knows him well and his grandkids too. Great film Chris. Technically and thematically. Chris S.